The coronation weekend may be over, butKate MiddletonandPrince Williamare back at Buckingham Palace to host a garden party.
The Prince and Princess of Wales took on the duty of leading the royals in the springtime festivities on Tuesday. WhileKing CharlesandQueen Camillaare taking it easy just days after thecoronation, the monarchvisited the new Whittle Laboratory at the University of Cambridge.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty
JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty
As is customary, the party started with the national anthem being played as the royals and their guests stood to attention. The rendition of “God Save the King” had an added resonance so soon after King Charles' spectacular coronation at Westminster Abbey on May 6.
Prince William, 40, and Princess Kate, 41, then stepped down onto the lawns, which on Saturday hosted the bands of the British Army that played their tribute to the newly-crowned King and Queen.
Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales.Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty
The garden party came two days afterPrince Williamled the U.K.’s tributes to his “Pa” at theCoronation Concertat Windsor Castle. The Prince of Wales praised his father’s campaigning on behalf of the environment and giving a leg up to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Take the natural world. He warned us of the risks to our planet’s health long before it was an everyday issue,” William said, pointing to his father’s lifelong passion for conservation and the environment.
“Or the Prince’s Trust. It has supported over a million young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to realize their ambitions,” he continued, referencing Charles' namesake charity, established 1976.
“And, perhaps most importantly of all, my father has always understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds and all communities, deserve to be celebrated and supported,” the Prince of Wales added, emphasizing his father’s interest in and dedication to interfaith relations. “Pa, we are all so proud of you.”
Prince Williamhad hinted at his appearance at the party on Monday, when he met with scouts during avolunteering day alongside his family— including kidsPrince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louis. Scout Preeti Valand asked the royal if he was going to get some rest after the hectic coronation weekend, she tells PEOPLE: “He said there is a garden party tomorrow and he will do so after that.'”
Tuesday’s garden party was the second to take place at Buckingham Palace this year. King Charles and Queen Camillaled the first such eventof the new reign last week, when Lionel Richie, who performed at Sunday’s Coronation Concert, was among the guests.
Garden parties are held as a way for the monarch to recognize public service.
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source: people.com
